Nmom...One thing to keep in mind is that your volunteers will generally support you in any way, shape or form.Dont keep things to yourself, they can see things differently than you!! I lean on them mentally alot...not sure how they put up with me. bottom line is that we all want what is best for the kids so supporting each other helps soooo much. I would be lost without the great volunteers!!!

This is going to be my 2nd year as prez. (but 9th year involved, committee chair and 1st Vp, 3 schools back down to two schools back up to three schools,etc.)I had way tooo many problems this past year but since my "problem" is moving on, this year should(knock on wood) go much smoother.

Yes I'm involved with coaching cheering, two girl scout troops and back up to 3 schools. But I get things done. I don't start something I'm not going to finish. I talk a lot about downsizing but I never seem to do it.

I make a list every morning and just work off of that. Yes, problems come around every so often, but you just have to roll with the punches. With an understanding family and take-out menu's by the phone, you can accomplish anything you want!

KDW- I would love to just make our next deposit into a new account, but we are not allowed to do that. I am working on a plan right now to take to the superintendent of schools in August in which we will open a new group (PIE) and spend out the PTO account this year and do all fundraisers as PIE. Then we will disolve our PTO in May or sooner depending on when the money runs out. But I have to get his approval to start the new parent group. I have a question on this if anybody has an answer-- would it be appropriate for the PTO board to also serve as the PIE ex. board?? I have made very detailed plans for the responsibilities of each group for next school year and if a different ex. board has control over PIE then they may not follow the plan I present to the superintendent and then our money could be taken away again. And if I am being 100%honest I want to be a signer on the account! I have worked hard to just let anyone take over from here. I hate to sound like a control freak, but I kinda am. Plus, I'm not even sure we would have anyone come and run for positions in the PIE group. If anyone has ideas on what is the "right" thing to do please let me know.

I suggest getting a checking account for your group asap. Even though the money is in another account, take your next deposit to your bank and then work out having the other money of yours written out in a check and deposit it. Have the account ready.

I am headed into my fourth year as president, or as I like to say, as the PTO. In a school of 700, there are only 6-7 people that can truly be counted on to help out. If I wanted it done, most times I had to do it. I gave up any idea of perfection quickly, and learned to do laundry and pack lunches at 1am. Now that I feel like I can run the fundraisers in my sleep, it's time to increase the membership. My last child is starting kindergarten, and I'm not into setting any records. Like most of us, PTO is not the only thing I volunteer with. This year I'm also chairing our school advisory council, we've just recieved school recognition money for the first time, (always a horror story with all the hurt feelings ) and we will have a new principal and assistant principal. I have no idea yet as to how they feel about PTO. I am looking forward to finding someone to take over after next year. Not giving up PTO -- just slowing down a little.

This is my second year as PTO prez (third year involved). Last year I was lost. I coach two other sports, am involved heavily at work etc and was just overwhelmed all year. This year, I feel much better, and have built a board (the committes) that wants to do things (some of the committee chairs last year did nothing, and wanted to be on the board because their kids were in 5th grade. This was a mistake I made).

The people involved this year each have their own ideas and we collaborate well together (already!) They are also taking control and responsibility for their committees.

As prez, we should oversee and help out, but not be running each thing or we will get tied up in the details. I am at nearly every event, involved in every fundraisers, etc, but not planning. Just helping out with what I can. That made a huge difference at the end of last year and I plan to continue with that direction this year. I am looking at it like the prez is a mananger. I want to keep involved, but not control/dictate or I will end up doing everything.